Twelve rice

Sure! Here’s a simple and versatile rice recipe that you can adjust to your taste. It’s a basic garlic and herb rice, but you can add or change ingredients based on what you like.

Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
2 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice from becoming too sticky.
Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion (if using) and cook until they are fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
Add Liquid and Herbs: Pour in the water or broth. Add the dried herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Variations:

Vegetable Rice: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Rice: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
Citrus Rice: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest and a squeeze of juice before serving for a fresh twist.

Feel free to adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand or what flavors you prefer!